“The best ideas come from many minds with multiple perspectives and varying life experiences. That’s what excites me about the work of archi-treasures. They are the vehicle for these great minds throughout Chicago to express their voice through participatory design.”  

-Julianne Scherer-Johnson

Over 15 Years of Arts-based Community Development:

• 22 communities served
• 79 design workshops facilitated
• 121 community projects completed
• 180 project artists hired
• 775 youth employed
• 1895 volunteers deployed

The impact of archi-treasures are both tangible and intangible. Participants in archi-treasures projects:

• Feel that they are more socially connected
• Are proud of what they’ve made and where they live
• Are engaged with their community and understand the importance of volunteerism
• Have a greater connection and sense of respect for what’s around them

Short term impacts include:

• Increased knowledge of community assets (people and places)
• Teambuilding, critical thinking, and personal expression skills
• Self esteem in residents
• Increased community pride
• Improved understanding of the value of civic involvement
• Interconnected and intergenerational participation
• Exposure to creative professionals

Long term impacts include:

• Socioeconomic mobility
• Increased local volunteerism
• Improved social responsibility
• Lowered crime rate and recidivism
• Economic development
• Safer neighborhoods

We are proud of these accomplishments and their effect on the communities in which we work, and encourage you to join us as we continue our work.